“The talk of strikes only damages London’s reputation as the best place in the world to do business.

“Retailers and restaurants are punished immediately by strikes, because of lower footfall from workers and visitors staying away. Over the long term, repeated strikes also hurt London’s reputation internationally.

“Instead of readying for strikes, unions should get back to negotiations and find the deal that Londoners want – and can afford.”

Need to know

When are the strikes happening?

The drivers will walk out from 6.30pm on Tuesday 26 January, Monday 15 February and Wednesday 17 February for 24 hours. The strike will end at 9pm the next day.

Why are Unions striking?

It is a long-running row over driver pay and conditions for the proposed launch of the Night Tube, which had been due to launch in September last year.

Part-time staff will be hired to work on the Night Tube, after drivers refused to work the Night Tube shifts caused Tube strikes last year.

What happens next?

Talks are planned with ACAS for Friday 15 January to discuss pay and Night Tube. Talks between TfL and the Unions had broken down in November. The RMT has also threatened further, week-long action from Sunday 7 February.